Graduate
studies in anthropology are oriented primarily toward sociocultural
anthropology, applied anthropology, and historical archaeology, with special
emphasis on symbolic systems, sociocultural change, and issues of power. As part
of the Maxwell School, the department offers the only anthropology program in
the country linked directly to a school of public affairs and public policy.
This arrangement facilitates theoretical understanding of anthropology in the
context of all the social sciences and provides a direct link to applied
problems and proactive involvement in public policy.
Within
sociocultural anthropology, the department has strengths in the study of
language and power, religious systems and politics, space and its use by humans,
cultural change in rural and urban environments, gender and culture,
environmental issues, and local-level political economies and their ties with
the larger global political economy.
Graduate
study in historical archaeology is one of the leading programs of its kind in
the country. The program combines the theory and techniques of anthropological
archaeology with the use of documentary sources and oral history. A particularly
strong aspect of this program deals with the African diaspora. The Maxwell
setting provides access to interdisciplinary issues of historical archaeology,
such as environmental topics, historic preservation, and policy planning.
Reflecting
current anthropological theory, the department makes continuous efforts to link
anthropology with the other social sciences and with the humanities. Some
anthropology graduate students take courses in feminist philosophy or theories
of development. Others draw on history, English and textual studies, cultural
geography, or international relations to explore such themes as colonialism or
gender. Students with environmental interests take courses in social forestry
and environmental communications offered through the State University of New
York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The State University of New
York Health Science Center and a consortium of local educational institutions
provide resources in health-related issues. Many anthropology students also
receive certificates in women’s studies, South Asian studies, or conflict
resolution.
Anthropology
is primarily a Ph.D. program. The master’s degree is earned as a step toward a
doctorate. For information about program requirements and funding opportunities,
please visit the program website.
Each
fall, 8 to 10 new students join the 50 already enrolled in the department.
Anthropology graduate students comprise a multiethnic, international community,
and more than half the students are women. The program is large enough to
provide focused breadth yet small enough to allow faculty members to work
closely with and mentor graduate students.
The
department office is housed in Maxwell Hall. Graduate students are assigned
study carrels in the adjoining Eggers Hall. Also located in Maxwell Hall are the
newly outfitted laboratories of the SU Archaeological Research Center.
Archaeology students have opportunities to participate in ongoing field research
in Barbados, the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Africa, and the northeastern United
States. Students enrolled in the annual summer archaeology field training school
currently conduct research on St. John.
The
anthropology department participates in the University-wide Future Professoriate
Project, which trains graduate students for college teaching. Graduates in
anthropology are prepared for academic careers and for professional work in
international, governmental, and voluntary agencies in the United States and
abroad.
Selected student research topics include:
Contact:
William F.
Kelleher, Jr., Graduate Director
Department of Anthropology
209 Maxwell Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse NY 13244-1090 USA
wfkelleh@maxwell.syr.edu
Telephone 315-443-2200
Fax 315-443-4860
Main departmental website with graphics
www.maxwell.syr.edu/anthro
A graphic version of this site is also available.